Is Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park before I book?

Yes! Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park has 18 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park?

Yes, Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park have?

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park?

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park offers: Showers, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park?

Popular activities at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

4.66

137 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Tennessee

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

453 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Pets Allowed

Partial HookupsPull-ThroughUp to 68 ftShowers

Book on Tennessee State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

453 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Pets Allowed

Partial HookupsPull-ThroughUp to 68 ftShowers

Book on Tennessee State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.66

Top-Rated

Based on 137 reviews

729 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersrestroomshiking

"Overall visitor sentiment is positive: guests praise scenic lakefront views, well-kept campsites, friendly/helpful staff, and clean heated restrooms. The park is relatively small and can be busy on weekends."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

36.0833, -87.9855

Nearby places

Camden, TN — ~15 minutes to grocery

Dollar General — ~8 minutes

Nearby supplies

Camden, TN (Cash Saver grocery, ~15 minutes)

Dollar General (~8 minutes)

Best Time to Camp at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

Fall delivers the best conditions: daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F, nights around 35–50°F, and lower humidity than summer. Leaves change along the shoreline, insects taper off, and the water stays calm for paddling. Weekends see moderate crowds; weekdays are noticeably quieter. Deer hunting seasons run on nearby public land during fall. Check park notices and wear bright colors on trails.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Overview: 'Fall delivers the best conditions' with pleasant temps, leaf color, and fewer insects.

Planning Tips

About Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park sits on 97 acres along Kentucky Lake's western shore, 14.6 miles from I-40. The park's 13 lakefront and primitive campsites offer direct water access for paddlers and anglers, while heated restrooms, helpful staff, and a compact trail network keep logistics simple. Weekends draw crowds; weekdays stay quiet.

Mix of primitive lakeside campsites and sites with electric and water hookups; tent camping and cabins are available; a group lodge is also present.

Historical Significance

The park takes its name from Nathan Bedford Forrest. An interpretive center on-site focuses on local river life and folklife exhibits, with a small museum covering Kentucky Lake history.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions: daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F, nights around 35–50°F, and lower humidity than summer. Leaves change along the shoreline, insects taper off, and the water stays calm for paddling. Weekends see moderate crowds; weekdays are noticeably quieter. Deer hunting seasons run on nearby public land during fall. Check park notices and wear bright colors on trails.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground faces Kentucky Lake where the Tennessee River widens, giving most sites views of open water. Hardwood forest covers the interior, and a creek winds through the property. The 97-acre footprint keeps everything close: shoreline, trails, and interpretive center are all within walking distance of the campsites. Gravel pads sit under partial shade, with the lake visible through breaks in the trees.

Geological RegionKentucky Lake / Tennessee River shoreline (western Tennessee)

Scenic ViewsKentucky Lake and Tennessee River views from lakefront campsites; easy access for kayaking and waterfront relaxation.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation Platformstsp.itinio.com (UseDirect) / Tennessee State Parks reservation system

Total Campsites13 campsites

Best CampsitesThe 13-site Lakefront Campground cluster sits closest to the water. Sites have gravel pads, fire rings, and grills. Reviews mention scenic lake views and easy kayak launches from this area. If you camp by boat, note that showers and restrooms are centrally located. You may need to walk across the park.

Amenities available

Heated central restroom/shower house, central potable water, some sites have electric and water hookups, fire rings and grills at lakefront sites, and pets are allowed.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Fire rings

Group Sites

RV details

Electric hookups55 of 108 sites (51%)

Water hookups38 of 108 sites (35%)

Sewer hookups1 of 108 sites (1%)

1 full hookup site3 pull-through sitesUp to 68 ft vehicles

Activities you can enjoy

Trails and lakeside recreation including hiking, fishing, swimming, kayaking/boating, and campfire activities.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Weather at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.7

137 reviews

Top-Rated

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall visitor sentiment is positive: guests praise scenic lakefront views, well-kept campsites, friendly/helpful staff, and clean heated restrooms. The park is relatively small and can be busy on weekends.

Review Summaries

Based on 137 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic Kentucky Lake/lakefront sites, well-maintained campsites (gravel pads, fire rings/grills noted), helpful and friendly park staff, heated showers and clean restrooms, nearby hiking trails and...

Based on 137 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Nearest full grocery in Camden (~15 minutes) and a Dollar General (~8 minutes). Visitors recommend bringing small supplies (hair dryer, softer toilet paper, citronella, dish soap) and visiting...

Based on 137 reviews

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Nestled along the western shore of Kentucky Lake, Paris Landing State Park welcomes campers to a classic lakeside retreat complete with marina access, a refreshing pool, and convenient lodge amenities. The campground's mature hardwood canopy provides welcome shade, though the terrain presents some quirks—sites tend to run on the cozy side with gravel pads and gentle slopes that give the landscape its rolling character.